An On-Demand Electric Transit Case Study of New Rochelle, New York

Journal Article · Mon Mar 30 00:00:00 EDT 2026 · Transportation Research Record

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981261425640· OSTI ID:3029158

Powell, Bonnie ^[1]; Sperling, Joshua ^[1]; Esteban, Johnny ^[2]; Serrano, Emily ^[1]; Weigl, Dustin ^[2]; Young, Stanley ^[1]

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1. National Laboratory of the Rockies, Golden, CO (United States)
2. National Renewable Energy Laboratory

This article characterizes the performance and ridership patterns of an on-demand transit (ODT) service utilizing lightweight electric vehicles (EVs) in New Rochelle, New York. Ridership sociodemographics, travel patterns (both temporal and spatiotemporal), and energy use from the service were explored using travel and survey data from September 2019 through December 2023. The ODT service was found to be used more by women (nearly 60%) and younger demographics (>65% under the age of 42), with peak use in the middle of the day and a grocery store as a top origin and destination. The service was utilized primarily for short trips (86% under 2 mi), with approximately one-third of riders using the ODT service to connect to a train or bus. The costs associated with fueling/charging were compared for different types of fleet vehicles, and the small, right-sized EVs were found to have annual charging costs that were roughly half of the refueling costs for conventional hybrid vans, and 24 times lower than a fleet of diesel buses. Evaluating the vehicle fleet and mapping current socio-spatial travel demand can inform system performance, guide service area development, and support future planning such as expansion to nearby communities and transit hubs. The findings in this case study suggest that on-demand electric transit may be a significant and growing space for advancing highly valued public mobility services. Public transport interventions that consider right-sized, electric, on-demand vehicles can help improve mobility access and reduce energy use and refueling costs.

• Research Organization: National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Transportation Office. Vehicle Technologies Office
• Grant/Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 3029158
• Report Number(s): NLR/JA-5R00-90747
• Journal Information: Transportation Research Record, Journal Name: Transportation Research Record
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
case study
electrification
first-mile/last-mile
microtransit
on-demand transit